About IPC

What is IPC?

'IPC' or the International Permaculture Convergence, is an epic gathering of permaculture practitioners from around the world, to share knowledge and expertise and strategize about the future of the permaculture movement. It has been active since 1985 and brings together inspiring and experienced permaculturists to deliver diverse and engaging programmes.

The event unfolds in 2 parts - the Conference which is attended by members of the public, policy makers and representatives of the Permaculture community; and the Convergence, which is attended by people who have completed their Permaculture Design Course.

IPC India 2017

This year the IPC is back in South Asia after 16 years! At the 11th IPC held in Cuba, Aranya Agricultural Alternatives was chosen to host the 13th IPC in India.

Aranya Agricultural Alternatives is an environmental and developmental organization working in Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Agriculture since 1999. The organization has been empowering farming communities across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh through permaculture practices that create sustainable livelihoods.

The main theme of the IPC India 2017 is Towards Healthy Societies, supported by the following 6 sub-themes:

Women as Agents of Change

Sustainable Water Resource Management

Revitalizing and Preserving Traditional Farming Practices

Permaculture as Social Responsibility

Grassroots Permaculture in Action

Permaculture and Climate Change Adaptations

The two invigorating days of the Conference will be packed with presentations, demonstrations and insights on permaculture design philosophy, regeneration of soils, managing water crises, climate change mitigation and sustainable living practices.

The Convergence village is currently being developed from scratch based on permaculture principles. It will offer an opportunity for permaculture practitioners and eco-conscious individuals to collaborate, learn, share and connect deeper with the theme. There will also be a special focus on demonstrating traditional Indian agricultural and cultural practices.

As it is a fully self-financed event, donations and sponsorships are greatly appreciated! You can give generously to our website www.permacultureindia.org

Applying to be a future IPC host

Be a part of the International Permaculture Convergences, they are epic!

In November 2017, IPC 13, the next International Permaculture Convergence will take place in India, followed by IPC14 in Argentina in 2020.

Would your organisation, association, or institute like to host the 15th International Permaculture Convergence?

If so, please look at the IPC Application form below for more information on details about the process of hosting International Permaculture Convergences. We would love to hear from you!

To be considered as a future IPC host you need to fill in an application form and send it to the International Permaculture Convergence Council. (This application form is also available here, along with other application details).

The next IPC will be held in Argentina, in 2020. While there is no hard and fast formula for choosing hosts, the intention is to move between countries in the global north and global south.

Factors to consider in choosing IPC15

> Where?

There has not been a very consistent pattern, but we are wanting to establish a pattern of northern hemisphere / southern hemisphere, east and west.

> When?

Timing for the convergences have been approximately every two years, but given that India’s IPC is happening in November 2017, and Argentina in 2020, we are discussing longer time gaps between the IPC events. It has been suggested that between the IPCs, active networking and content-based meetings amongst the global permaculture movement and its organizations with a strong focus on online participation could be happening. With a special sensitivity to make sure all communities, have equal access to the technology platforms needed, making sure it is affordable to all.

This will be determined at IPC India 2017, making the next possible date for IPC 15 one of these years: 2022, 2023 or 2024.

IPC aims

To improve access to permaculture:

Use the IPC to make more people aware of permaculture.

Use the IPC website to make it easy for people to connect to permaculture near them.

To enhance collaboration within the permaculture network:

Further develop our understanding of who is doing what, and how we can increase mutual support and action.

To increase knowledge of the benefits of permaculture within society:

Use the IPC to make more people aware of the benefits of permaculture, specifically about how it is used in particular contexts and countries.

To develop permaculture theory and practice:

Invite contributions from researchers and leading practitioners.

Use the workshops to increase our knowledge and understanding.

Collate workshops, papers and posters into a journal / website for wider dissemination to the permaculture network and beyond.

To ensure that there is participation from as many countries using permaculture as possible

To ensure funding, sponsorships and good planning enable the convergence to be as affordable as possible to all participants.

To make a financial surplus that can feed into the next IPC.

Application form

Please answer the following questions:

1. About the host organisation

What is the organisations name?

When was the organisation established?

What is your legal status?

Please give your website address

Does your bank account require two signatories?

How often do you produce financial reports?

What is your capacity – number of staff / volunteers?

How prepared are you to host an IPC – what experience do you already have in hosting large events, e.g. regional convergences?

Are you able to do a national or regional (local countries) convergence if you are selected to be an IPC host?

How many people in your organisation have been already at an IPC? Who? Where?

2. Name of person leading the proposal / key contact

Please give the name, email address, phone number (and code) for the lead contact.

3. About the country

Are there any potential technological restrictions? Will you be able to host online live-streaming for the IPC?

Are there any significant travel challenges for attendees - visas, ease of access, safety? What is the main airport / train station?

What is the likely stability of the political climate in in your country in four years’ time?

4. Proposal for how you will manage different elements of the IPC

Please tell us how you would manage the following aspects of the IPC:

Pre-IPC Permaculture Design Course

Public Conference

Convergence

Tours and visits

Proposed dates for the IPC (any challenges in terms of weather events?)

Reducing the total expenses of attending IPCs for participants

Time line – what is your basic plan for delivering the IPC – how will you use the 4-6? years to prepare?

How will you minimise the event's negative environmental impact?

Will you be able to attend the convergence in India (2017) to do a presentation for your offer?

5. Anything else you want to tell us?

What to do after you have filled out the IPC application:

You can submit the application form in advance of the next IPC – this is encouraged. You also need to attend the IPC and be prepared to attend meetings of the IPCC during the event. You will be given an opportunity to make a presentation and will be asked to answer questions about your proposal. Please bring multiple printed copies to share (10 or more).

If your proposal is accepted you will need to sign an agreement that sets out your roles and responsibilities as an IPC host. You will then be supported by the International Permaculture Convergence Council (IPPC) and the Friends of the International Permaculture Convergences (FIPC), the two official support groups of the IPC’s. Both IPCC and FIPC work closely with the IPC conveners (hosts) to create budgets, themes, and programs, and to help develop your plans and make the event a real success.

FIPC & IPCC

At the 7th International Permaculture Convergence in Croatia in 2005, it was determined that an IPC Support Group would be beneficial. In 2013 this was evolved into two parallel, but distinct organizations - Friends of IPC (FIPC), a non-profit based in USA with 3 board members; and the International Permaculture Convergence Council (IPCC) with members from different continents and world regions.

At the 12th IPC in UK, in 2015, FIPC and IPCC were formally approved as the international bodies of the IPC tasked to choose the next hosts as well.

FIPC

FIPC's specific mission is to augment the funds needed for convening the biennial IPC event, with a special focus on scholarship funding for delegates traveling from all parts of the world to attend.

History of IPC

IPCs started back in 1984 in Australia, and has become the key global meeting point for the international permaculture network. It is a place to have discussions in person about strategy, educational standards, research, and regional and global permaculture developments, as well as a platform to build connections leading to significant projects.